Investigation into Lake County police closes with no charges filed

The District Attorney’s Office has closed its use of force investigation into Lake County law enforcement and will not be filing charges, according to a Thursday press release.

The investigation stemmed from a video posted to YouTube of sheriff’s deputies detaining a man at a home in Lake County. In the video, onlookers were distressed and said the police were using excessive force.

The DA’s office says it has determined the officers acted appropriately and no criminal charges were warranted.

According to the release, deputies responded to two 911 calls at the residence where the incident occurred on Feb. 24. One caller said that physical force was being used against the occupant and that alcohol was involved, the release said.

The occupants did not open the door for deputies, who then forcibly entered due to concerns over the occupants’ welfare, according to the narrative given by officials.

The occupants tried to force the deputies out, prompting them to handcuff three people.

“If confronted by force or the apparent use of force in resistance to authority, peace officers have the right to use objectively reasonable amounts of force in self-defense and to complete their duties,” the release said. “A person, including a peace officer, may lawfully use reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when, and to the extent he reasonably believes, it is necessary to defend a third person, such as a fellow officer.”

One occupant of the house, Jose Calletano-Serrano, was charged with harassment, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest. Maria Ponce-Hernandez was also charged with obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest.

Both are set for hearings in Lake County Court on June 29.

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